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USA Gold, Silver in Halfpipe

David Wise and Torin Yater-Wallace boosted ahead of the tough competition to win halfpipe gold and silver at the FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships in Oslo, Norway. (U.S. Freeskiing)

OSLO, Norway (March 5) – David Wise (Reno, NV) and Torin Yater-Wallace (Basalt, CO) boosted ahead of the tough competition to win halfpipe gold and silver at the FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships. Wise and Yater-Wallace put down solid first runs that couldn’t be topped, landing them on the podium just 0.6 points apart. In women’s halfpipe, Angeli Vanlaanen (Bellingham, WA) finished sixth, the top spot for U.S. women. Switzerland's Virginie Faivre took the gold medal for women.

HIGHLIGHTS

David Wise (Reno, NV) and Torin Yater-Wallace (Basalt, CO) boosted ahead of the tough competition to win halfpipe gold and silver at the FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships in Oslo, Norway.

Wise and Yater-Wallace put down solid first runs that held through the finals, landing them on the podium just 0.6 points apart.

Yater-Wallace attempted a double 1080 in his second run, which could have put him in position for gold, but he didn’t land it.

Tuesday was Wise's first World Champs win after placing fourth in 2009 and 2011 in Japan and Park City.

It was Yater-Wallace’s second appearance at World Champs; in 2011 he placed 13th.

Tuesday was only Yater-Wallace’s fourth competition back after a shoulder injury; he placed second at X Games, first in Sochi, second at the Park City Grand Prix and now second at Norway.

QUOTESDavid WiseIt was one of the most exciting finals we've seen all year! I was going towards the end of the start list and it was so fun to watch everyone drop in and throw down some amazing runs - it was cool to be a part of it. I was excited to see all the guys and watch their runs. Torin had one of the best runs I've ever seen him do. It is such an honor to be a part of such a cool sport, where everyone is throwing down so many incredible runs and compete with the best athletes in the world. It's an even bigger honor to have the World Champ title because it's something I will always have. I set a goal of the run I wanted to do and didn't hold anything back and I am thrilled this all came together for me.